Genesis 2:23-25
2:23 a Adam recognized the woman as a “helper just right for him” (2:20 b). His celebration of her in poetry and song observed his unity with her, not their distinctions (cp. 29:14 c).• Adam declares that “She will be called ‘woman’ (Hebrew ’ishah) because she was taken from ‘man’ (Hebrew ’ish).” He understood the nature of their connection (see Eph 5:28-29 d). Adam had earlier assessed the animals without finding the characteristics he needed in a partner. How different this evaluation is!
2:24 e Marriage between a man and a woman is not just a human social construct but is rooted in the created order.
• a man leaves ... and is joined: Marriage entails a shift of loyalty from parents to spouse.
• the two are united into one: Marriage and its commitments make it the most fundamental covenant relationship observed among humans. Marriage is a powerful image of Israel’s covenant with God (Hos 2:14-23 f) and of Christ’s relationship to the church (Eph 5:22-32 g). Marriage is designed as an inseparable, exclusive relationship between a man and a woman. The family unit it creates is the basic building block of human society.
2:25 h both naked: Prior to the Fall (ch 3 i), nakedness reflected innocence and trust. After the Fall, it denoted vulnerability and shame (see 9:22-23 j; Lev 18:1-23 k; Isa 47:3 l). Shame is more than embarrassment; it connotes exploitation and humiliation (see Deut 28:48 m; Isa 58:7 n; Jas 2:15-16 o).
Copyright information for
TNotes